Author: cjcounahan

Chapter 7 focused on web scenes, beginning with an introduction to 3D maps and how web scenes work. It explained how to navigate within them and how to symbolize features effectively. The first tutorial was all about getting comfortable with the scene viewer and learning to move around within a web scene. In the second tutorial, I learned how to build a thematic web scene by creating a local scene and adding layers from ArcGIS Online. I also explored how to change the visualized attributes and experimented with different symbolization styles, using both 2D and 3D options. Adjusting the color scheme and the histogram range allowed me to tailor the layer’s appearance to match the purpose of the scene.

The third tutorial involved adding two separate layers and symbolizing all the points. I ran into some technical issues at first—nothing was displaying until I switched to a different browser—but once that was resolved, the rest of the tutorial went smoothly. In section 7.4, I learned how to add new features that could be positioned along the Z-axis, allowing me to place objects like helicopters in the air and buildings on the ground. Section 7.5 focused on editing these features; I added cars, adjusted their size, and changed the direction they faced. The final tutorial showed how to perform basic analysis using a web scene, like adding shadows that change depending on the date and time, which made the scene feel much more dynamic.

If I were to complete a project based on this chapter, I’d make a web scene of OWU. I would add features to represent different areas for example, placing cars in the parking lots. I think it would be fun to build a scene based on somewhere I know well, because I could make it very realistic and maybe even turn it into a sort of interactive campus directory.

Chapter 6

Chapter 6 focused on spatiotemporal data, data connected to both location and time, and how it’s essential in real-time GIS operations. The chapter used practical examples like tracking 911 calls and monitoring environmental conditions live, which made the technical concepts easier to relate to. I found the discussion of the Internet of Things (IoT) especially eye-opening. Previously, I only thought of IoT in broad or historical terms, but this made it clear how devices, sensors, and networks come together with tools like GeoEvent Server and ArcGIS Velocity to collect and process live spatial data. I also learned about ArcGIS Dashboards, which lets you display real-time data with interactive maps, charts, and filters. Time-enabled layers were another key feature, allowing me to animate data over time—a technique I was introduced to in GEOG 291, but this chapter gave me a better grasp of its full potential.

For a project, I’d like to build a dashboard that tracks the impact of land development on waterways and wetlands in Delaware County. By integrating zoning maps, parcel data, and hydrology layers, I could pinpoint where construction might be encroaching on environmentally sensitive areas. Users would be able to sort parcels by zoning type, check statistics about buffer zones near streams, and use a time slider to visualize changes in development over time. This type of tool could help planners make more informed choices and encourage development that protects water quality and local ecosystems.

Chapter 3

Exploring the experience builder was really fascinating. I believe this tool will be beneficial for individuals who may not have prior experience with GIS, allowing them to interact with the maps and develop an interest in the subject. The tutorials provided were quite useful for guiding me through the online interface. I also found the question and answer section to be a valuable resource for troubleshooting.

Chapter 4

The brief mention of the post-PC era really caught my attention and made me reflect on how much we take technology for granted. I often forget what it would be like to live without the devices I rely on today. Mobile GIS seems especially useful for accessing data quickly and easily on the go. I also appreciated the table that simplifies the process of sharing feature layers, it really made the concept clearer. The section on Rapid Data Collection was equally interesting.

Application Ideas

I can see how both of these sections are valuable for fieldwork or for individuals who may not be well-versed in GIS but still need to access data rather than build maps. One potential application I see is in the public health sector, where someone may need quick access to data about specific addresses or municipalities to identify clusters of disease cases. In the field, using a mobile app with this data would greatly enhance the ability to address and track health issues.

Data Inventory

I Did this in 291

Selecting Ideas

I’m considering focusing on public health and epidemiology, using concepts from Chapter 3 along with data from the Delaware Data Inventory, to create something that could benefit a health department in their work.

Chapter 1

The first chapter provided an overview of Web GIS, highlighting its growing influence across various sectors, including government, business, research, and education. What stood out the most was the versatility of this technology, especially in terms of data hosting and sharing. Whether data is stored in the cloud via ArcGIS Online or managed locally by users, Web GIS seamlessly integrates key components like data, layers, web maps, scenes, tools, and applications. Understanding how these elements interact to create dynamic, shareable maps helped clarify the overall system.

The tutorials reinforced these concepts effectively. I learned how to generate new items, organize them into folders, incorporate images into popups, and publish maps for public access. The process was fairly intuitive, particularly with prior experience using ArcGIS Desktop. However, Web GIS takes accessibility to another level, making data visualization and sharing much simpler for a wider audience.

Chapter 2

Building on the first chapter, Chapter 2 explored different layer types and introduced smart mapping, a feature that streamlines the process of designing maps to highlight patterns within data. It was helpful to see how smart mapping automatically suggests styles and applies data-driven logic, making it easier to create clear, visually appealing maps without requiring expertise in cartography. The table detailing various mapping styles served as a useful guide for selecting the most appropriate visualization method based on the project’s goals.

Another key takeaway was ArcGIS Arcade, a scripting language that allows users to modify how data appears in popups, even when certain attributes are not readily available. It reminded me of working with formulas in Excel but adapted for GIS applications. The chapter also delved deeper into popups, demonstrating how they can be customized to enhance the user’s understanding of the data being displayed.

A particularly interesting topic was Story Maps, which enable users to integrate text, multimedia, and interactive maps into a cohesive narrative. This makes them a powerful tool for communicating complex information to audiences who may not be familiar with GIS. The tutorials guided me through creating Story Maps with various features like swipe comparisons and timelines, adding an extra layer of creativity and clarity to map presentations.

Applications Based on Chapters 1 & 2

The concepts from these chapters inspired several possible applications. One idea is a dot density map illustrating all pet stores in the area that sell cat toys. A heat map could be created to visualize the concentration of cat owners based on licensing records or survey data. Another application could be a web map showcasing notable landmarks and attractions in Delaware County, which could be beneficial for tourism and educational purposes.

Additionally, a feature layer could be developed to display underutilized agricultural land within the county, aiding in land-use planning and sustainability initiatives. A more advanced application could involve a flood resilience planning tool, leveraging local data to assess how upcoming infrastructure projects might be affected by flood risks. Such a tool would be valuable for both community members and local government officials in making informed decisions about future developments.

My name is Colin Counahan. I am a Junior on the Lacrosse team. I am from the greater Columbus area. I am majoring in Education Studies and am minoring in Communications, Religion, and History. In my free time, I enjoy traveling and playing golf.

The first chapter of Nadine Schuurman’s GIS: A Short Introduction gives an insightful overview of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and their impact on various fields. It begins by highlighting how GIS has become essential in modern life, influencing industries such as navigation, urban planning, healthcare, and even retail. Despite its wide use, many people remain unaware of how GIS shapes their daily lives.One keyArcGIS Online Basics_Certificate_03212025 takeaway is how GIS is more than just mapping software. It combines spatial analysis with computer science, enabling users to visualize and interpret complex data. The chapter discusses the historical development of GIS, noting its roots in cartography and its evolution through technological advancements. I found it fascinating how early GIS methods relied on physical overlays of maps, a technique that later inspired computerized systems. It shows how simple ideas can lead to groundbreaking technology. A particularly interesting point is GIS’s identity crisis. It can mean different things to different people—a tool for city planners to map zones or a philosophical framework for researchers to analyze spatial data. This versatility is a strength, but it also makes GIS challenging to define. The author does a great job of explaining how GIS bridges quantitative methods with intuitive visualizations, making data more accessible and impactful. What stood out most was the emphasis on visualization. Maps and graphs are not just tools; they’re powerful ways to uncover patterns and tell stories. The example of Dr. John Snow’s cholera map in 1854 demonstrates how visualization can solve real-world problems.Overall, the chapter effectively conveys the importance and complexity of GIS while raising thoughtful questions about its societal and ethical implications. It made me think about how technology influences our perception of the world and how critical it is to use it responsibly.

#1: My search was “wolf telemetry GIS applications”

I found an example of GIS applications in wildlife management through the study of Yellowstone wolf pack territories. This map, titled “2021 Yellowstone Wolf Pack Territories,” represents the spatial distribution of wolf packs using aerial location data. The map highlights several wolf pack territories, such as Wapiti Lake, Mollies, and Junction Butte. GIS is vital for tracking these packs, helping researchers understand their movement patterns, territory size, and interactions with prey and other wildlife. This information informs management strategies to maintain a healthy balance within Yellowstone’s ecosystem, as wolves are keystone predators.This GIS application also benefits park visitors and staff by identifying areas where wolf activity is prominent, aiding in both educational outreach and safety measures. 

Source: National Park Service, Yellowstone Wolf Project Report

#2 Crime patterns in Cleveland

I found an example of GIS applications in urban safety management through the study of crime patterns in Cleveland, Ohio. This map, titled “Cleveland Crime Density Map,” represents the spatial distribution of crime rates across various neighborhoods. The map highlights areas with higher concentrations of criminal activity, such as Downtown, Glenville, and Clark-Fulton. GIS is vital for tracking crime incidents, helping law enforcement agencies understand where resources are most needed and enabling them to allocate patrols more effectively. Additionally, this technology supports policymakers and urban planners in addressing underlying factors that contribute to crime in specific areas. This GIS application also benefits residents and community organizations by raising awareness about local safety concerns and encouraging engagement in neighborhood improvement initiatives.

Source: Neighborhood Source: Zillow

 

ArcGIS Online Basics_Certificate_03212025ArcGIS Online Basics_Certificate_03212025